Sentry Key Immobilizer System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Journey and 2015 Dodge Journey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is factory-installed standard equipment on this model. The SKIS provides passive vehicle protection, immobilizing the vehicle by preventing the engine from operating unless a valid electronically encoded key or FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK) is detected. In vehicles not equipped with the Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) system, a valid encoded key or FOBIK must be present within the Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) (also known as the IGnition Node Module/IGNM) for the engine to continue to operate. In vehicles equipped with the PEKG system, the FOBIK must only be present somewhere within the passenger compartment of the vehicle for the engine to continue to operate.

The SKIS used in combination with the export premium version of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) adds a steering shaft lock feature that provides passive protection by preventing the vehicle from being steered unless a valid encoded key or FOBIK is present within the KIN (without PEKG), or a valid FOBIK is present somewhere within the passenger compartment of the vehicle (with PEKG). The export premium version of the VTA is only available in vehicles manufactured for sale in certain markets where it is required equipment.

The SKIS includes the following major components, which are described in further detail elsewhere in this service information:

Keyless Ignition Node - The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) (also known as the IGnition Node Module/IGNM) is located in the instrument panel just inboard of the steering column. Refer to MODULE, KEYLESS IGNITION NODE, DESCRIPTION .
Low Frequency Antenna - Vehicles equipped with the optional Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) system have several low frequency antenna units strategically placed within the vehicle.
Powertrain Control Module - The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) (also known as the Engine Control Module/ECM) is located in the engine compartment. The PCM provides the SKIS engine control logic. Refer to MODULE, POWERTRAIN CONTROL, DESCRIPTION .
Radio Frequency Hub Module - The Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) (also known as the RF Hub) is located above the headliner at the liftgate opening. The RFHM is hard wired to the Keyless Ignition Node (KIN). The RFHM performs the functions previously performed by a Wireless Control Module (WCM) (also known as the Sentry Key REmote Entry Module/SKREEM or the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module/SKIM), a Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) and a Passive Entry Module (PEM). Refer to MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), DESCRIPTION .
Security Indicator - A security indicator is integral to the Instrument Cluster (IC) (also known as the Common Instrument Cluster/CIC). Refer to DESCRIPTION .
Sentry Key Transponder - A Sentry Key transponder microchip is located within each key or FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK), which also includes an integral Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and an integral mechanical valet key. Refer to KEY, TRANSPONDER, DESCRIPTION .
Shaft Lock Module - A shaft lock module (also known as the Electronic Steering Column Lock/ESCL module) is located on the lower end of the steering column below the instrument panel in the passenger compartment of vehicles built for sale in certain export markets and equipped with the export premium version of the VTA where it is required equipment.

The PCM and the RFHM each contain a microcontroller and programming that allow them to communicate with each other and other electronic modules in the vehicle using the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. In addition, the KIN, the RFHM and the shaft lock module communicate with each other using a Local Interface Network data bus. Refer to COMMUNICATION, DESCRIPTION .

Hard wired circuitry connects the various SKIS system components to each other through the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other and to the vehicle electrical system through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention as well as pin out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.